1966 Chevy C10 - Double-Edged Sword

Classic C10 Built For Showing And Thrashing

In Issue 1 of this year we showed you the differences between only showing your truck versus beating on it. Jason Chandler, of Nacogdoches, Texas, solved this problem by spending six months and sparing no cost to build an amazing 1966 C10 that he drives like he stole it during the week and then takes it to shows on the weekend and wins award after award.

First thing after buying his C10, Jason took it to the Chicken House Chop Shop, also in Nacogdoches, and had them build a custom suspension around the stock chassis. Starting with Belltech 3-inch drop spindles, they added tubular A-arms, and Slam Specialties 'bags to make the front of the truck hug the ground. With the front low, Jason contacted Sleeper Suspension Development, in La Verne, California, and ordered their triangulated four-link in order to even out the stance. With the four-link installed, Chicken House Chop Shop installed another set of Slam Specialties 'bags to make the rear match the front. Since Jason wanted to beat on his truck, he also installed an SSD front crossmember for extra support, clearance, and protection. To get the chassis rolling, Jason chose Intro 22x8.5-inch Pentia wheels up front and 22x12-inch Pentias in the rear. For tires, Jason went to Pirelli for their Scorpion Zero Asimmetrico 335/25R22 rubber in the rear and 265/35R22 in the front.

Jason swapped out the old six-cylinder and brought the Chevy into the 21st century by bolting in an LQ9 6.0L. He then improved the LQ9 with L92 heads, an upgraded cam, a custom intake, Street Performance ceramic-coated headers, and a MagnaFlow 3-inch exhaust. Connected to the back of this monster engine is a 4L60E tranny, which feeds into a 12-bolt rearend outfitted with 3.73 gears and a posi. The axlehousing has been narrowed 10 inches total and Moser axles were installed for strength and durability. For maximum braking, Jason upgraded the brakes to slotted and drilled discs front and rear.

Opting to keep the factory body and trim, Jason turned his attention to the interior. He first ordered a set of Auto Meter gauges and fit them into a custom dash panel. Then he had Watson's Leather of Nacogdoches wrap the factory bench in black leather and suede for a simple, clean look.

Even though the exterior of this truck is fairly stock, it's what lies under the skin that counts. With a suspension and engine built for speed and maneuverability, and a body built for show, this truck is a double-edged sword, a sleeper if you will.